Pledge to end domestic violence

Dominic Collis

Burnley has been awarded White Ribbon status for its work to tackle domestic violence.

The accreditation by White Ribbon UK recognises the work being done in this, and other boroughs, to reduce incidents of domestic abuse and raise awareness of the issue surrounding it.

The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest global effort of men working to end male violence against women. To mark Burnley’s White Ribbon status, representatives from local organisations met at Turf Moor.

The event was hosted at the UCFB Burnley facility by the club’s official charity, Burnley FC in the Community.

Burnley Council leader Coun. Mark Townsend said: “This is the culmination of a coordinated effort across the whole of Lancashire by all of the local authorities and our partners in health, supported by the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner, to attain this accreditation.

“The award is testament to the hard work that partners carry out to address domestic violence, be it the causes or the consequences of this behaviour.

“The White Ribbon campaign specifically looks at men, and what men can do to progress the work done to tackle Domestic Violence.

“The community safety partnership will be looking at a variety of ways to get involved and commit to the principles of the White Ribbon Campaign.”

Sam McConnell, the council’s community safety manager, said: “This campaign will encourage men to stand up and say it loud and clear that it is unacceptable for a man to abuse a woman.

“This is the start of the journey, not the end.

“This campaign is not being delivered in isolation. White Ribbon is one of a number of initiatives in place in Burnley aimed at tackling domestic violence.

“Safenet, in partnership with Calico, has opened a new complex needs refuge and also a male-only refuge and Burnley Council has committed to supporting Independent Domestic Violence Advocate services for the next two years.

“This clearly shows that partners in Burnley are determined to do what we can to support victims and target perpetrators of domestic abuse.”